The world’s leading EV battery maker wants to make gas stations a thing of the past. On Wednesday, CATL revealed ambitious plans to expand its EV battery swap network with ten new models. By swapping batteries, EV drivers can get a fully charged pack within two minutes. That’s even quicker than filling up your gas tank.
With a commanding lead over the global EV battery market, CATL now has a new target as it looks to phase out gas-powered vehicles.
CATL announced plans to roll out 1,000 EV battery swap stations across China next year as electric models continue to gain market share. The initiative is designed to accelerate EV adoption by making it easier and more convenient to drive an electric car.
“As the market leader, we will join hands with our partners to create a sound ecosystem to achieve innovative breakthroughs,” CATL’s founder and chairman, Robin Zeng, said during a press briefing on Wednesday (via The South China Morning Post).
The battery giant said its new stations would enable EV drivers to swap batteries within 100 seconds. At that, you can gain a full charge faster than it would take to fill a gas tank.
CATL has been in the market since 2022 after launching EVOGO, its battery swap brand. However, initial plans called for smaller packs with the option of using more than one.
CATL updates plans to expand EV battery swap stations
With its new “Chocolate” SEB batteries, CATL is making it even easier. The new battery packs are a single unit designed for passenger car use. Zeng said “the most important thing” is the standardization of battery size. It has already secured over 107,500 orders for its Choco-SEB batteries from more than 30 companies.
Like different gasoline grades, CATL offers two new Choco-SEB batteries. The #20 pack is designed for A0 cars (small and hatchback models), while the #25 is built for larger A or B-class vehicles.
Both packs will be available in LFP-based or NMC chemistry options. With a capacity of up to 42 kWh, CATL’s #20 LFP pack provides a CLTC driving range of up to 400 km (248 miles). Meanwhile, the #20 NMC battery pack, with a capacity of up to 52 kWh, can provide a range of up to 500 km (310 miles).
The #25 LFP pack, with a 56 kWh capacity, can travel up to 500 km (310 miles), while the NMC option, with a 70 kWh capacity, provides a range of up to 600 km (373 miles).
Pricing starts at 369 yuan, or about $51 per month (#20 LFP pack) for up to 3,000 km (1,864 miles). You can also opt for unlimited mileage for 469 yuan ($64).
The global battery leader revealed ten new EVs jointly developed with its partners that will use the new battery swap tech. These include several highly anticipated models like the GAC AION S, Wuling Bingo and Starlight, as well as SAIC’s Rising F7, Maxus Mifa 9, and Maxus Dana.
CATL plans to build at least 30,000 EV battery swap stations in the future. The first 1,000 will be built by CATL, and the following 10,000 will be developed jointly with its partners.
Several other companies in China, including NIO, are rapidly expanding EV battery swap stations across China. According to CnEVPost, NIO’s swap network now covers 18 of China’s busiest highways with 913 stations.
Source: SCMP, CATL
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